Origin of Ayurveda in Sanatan Dharma: A Scriptural View
Today, youth across the world are increasingly drawn toward Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that was once highly advanced but remained less explored in modern times. As interest in holistic health grows, curiosity about Ayurveda’s origins has also increased yet its traditional roots are often misunderstood or unknown.
In Hindu texts, Ayurveda is described as having its origin in the divine realms of the gods. According to Sanatana Dharma, human life is not meant merely for material pursuits, but for the realization of the Divine. In ancient India, sages and saints dedicated their lives to tapasya; however, physical ailments and diseases often became obstacles in their spiritual practices. Recognizing this difficulty, Maharshi Bharadvaja, along with other rishis, resolved to seek a solution. Bharadvaja was sent to Indra, the King of Devas, with the purpose of obtaining knowledge that could grant health and longevity, so that human beings could pursue spiritual goals without bodily hindrance.
Charaka Samhita states that Indra possessed the knowledge of Ayurveda, which he had received from the Ashvini Kumaras, the divine physicians of the gods. The Ashvini Kumaras, in turn, received this wisdom from Prajapati Daksha, who had obtained it directly from Lord Brahma, the creator. After receiving this knowledge, Bharadvaja transmitted Ayurveda to other rishis for the welfare of ordinary people and to promote a longer, healthier life. Among these sages, Maharshi Atreya became a principal teacher and imparted Ayurvedic knowledge to his six disciples—Agnivesa, Bhela, Jatukarṇa, Parasara, Harita, and Ksarapani. Later, Agnivesa composed the foundational Ayurvedic Tantra, which was further refined and systematized by later scholars, forming the basis of the Ayurveda that is known today.
In Sanatana Dharma, it is believed that Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksa—the four aims of human life—are attainable only when one possesses Arogya (health). Without health, neither spiritual practice nor material duties can be fulfilled. The word Ayu in Ayurveda means life, and Ayurveda itself is concerned with the preservation and proper direction of this life. Classical texts describe life as a harmonious union of Sharir (body), Indriya (senses), Man (mind), and Atma (soul), Jiva and Ishvara (God). Ayu is called so because of its continuous and unstoppable flow , just as time cannot be halted, life too flows forward until its natural end. Ayurveda, therefore, does not merely aim at curing disease, but at maintaining balance in all these components so that life may proceed smoothly toward its higher purpose.
In Sanatana Dharma, it is widely accepted that the human body is composed of the Panch Mahabhut—Prithvi (earth), Jala (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), and Akash (ether). These five elements combine in varying proportions to form all physical structures of the body. Ayurveda further explains that the functioning of these elements within the body is governed by three fundamental biological principles known as the Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
In the Shushrut Shamhita, Lord Dhanvantari, who is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu and revered as the divine surgeon of Ayurveda, is described as imparting medical knowledge to his disciples. This presentation, however, does not contradict or negate the account found in the Charaka Samhita, where the ultimate origin of Ayurveda is traced back to Brahma. Rather, the two texts describe different stages of transmission: Charaka Samhita emphasizes the cosmic and philosophical origin of Ayurveda, while Sushruta Samhita highlights its practical and surgical transmission to humanity through Dhanvantari. Together, they form a continuous and complementary lineage rather than opposing narratives.
Ayurveda is not merely a medical system but a holistic science of life, transmitted through a continuous lineage from the divine to humanity. Understanding its origins helps us appreciate Ayurveda as a timeless path toward health, balance, and harmony.